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 #1679440


Connors
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 Sand substrate

i have decided to get a bredls python and would like to keep it in a desert setup. is it ok to use a sand substrate if i do not feed the python in its enclosure. if not why?
03/28/08  04:02pm

 #1679875


Carpondro17
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   Message To: Connors   In reference to Message Id: 1679440


 Sand substrate

I wouldent use sand because of several reasons if you want you can use sand but I wouldent suggest it!



03/28/08  09:43pm

 #1680235


Connors
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   Message To: Carpondro17   In reference to Message Id: 1679875


 Sand substrate

what are the ’several reasons’? thanks



03/29/08  05:44am

 #1680823


Carpondro17
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   Message To: Carpondro17   In reference to Message Id: 1679875


 Sand substrate

It could accidentally inhale it, it doesnt look that good,the lamp could overheat the sand and burn the snake,and some more.
03/29/08  04:55pm

 #1682502


Morsel
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   Message To: Carpondro17   In reference to Message Id: 1680823


 Sand substrate

Impossible to keep clean. You’d have to throw it out every month or so and replace it with fresh substrate.

If it’s a silicon based sand it could cause issues with the respiratory system.

Bacteria. Because it’s impossible to keep clean, moisture/urine/etc could build on the bottom of the tank and bacteria would grow and multiply increasing chances for scale rot, respiratory infections etc.

If you’re using it for -any- species of python it wouldn’t maintain humidity without causing these bacterial issues, it’d have to be moist to maintain proper humidity levels.

It’s just messy, inconvienent, expensive and really not worth the hassle.
03/30/08  07:00pm

 #1694359


Marg
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   Message To: Morsel   In reference to Message Id: 1682502


 Sand substrate

You need to replace substrate Every month anyway :o)

Also causes impaction... amoung other health issues.

Most use Aspen.

No Pine or Cedar... toxic to all reptiles.
04/08/08  09:49am

 #1695334


Farout
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   Message To: Connors   In reference to Message Id: 1679440


 Sand substrate

Hi,
I have two carpet pythons and a kingsnake. I keep both of my carpets on a mixture of coconut husk, sand and fir bark. It works very well, doesn’t mold easily and smells good. I keep my kingsnake on the same mixture, but with more sand.

Contrary to what the others said about sand (and I’m no expert here), it is my opinion that sand is very easy to clean, lasts much longer in a cage than other substrates, and doesn’t mold easily, if at all. I don’t think I would keep a python on sand alone. It is messy, and you do need to avoid certain types of sand, and there is always a risk of your reptile ingesting some (although this is true for any loose substrate!).

I did try sand alone with my kingsnake for a short period to test it out and didn’t like it. But, I enjoy its features when added to another substrate. :) I cannot remember which type of sand I’m using.

That’s my two cents. :-)
04/08/08  09:50pm

 #1697927


Ambiguous666
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   Message To: Connors   In reference to Message Id: 1679440


 Sand substrate

if you want something more natural but not as dangerous use those eco earth blocks or bed a beast, they also hold humidty quite well.
04/10/08  06:16pm

 #1698068


Shiftylarry
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   Message To: Ambiguous666   In reference to Message Id: 1697927


 Sand substrate

Yeah, sand should not be used by itself. You could mix it into dirt if you wanted, but I’m not sure how that would benefit you if you don’t have a burrowing snake. You also have to be particular in choosing the grain, to make sure that the grain is round and not jagged to prevent cuts.
04/10/08  07:55pm


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